The Latest: Trump tweets that Spicer's future is 'bright'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on changes to the White House communications staff (all times local):

9:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump says Sean Spicer is a "wonderful person who took tremendous abuse from the Fake News Media."

Trump also says in a late Friday tweet that Spicer's future is "bright."

Spicer resigned earlier in the day, six months into the administration, after Trump tapped New York businessman and political supporter Anthony Scaramucci for the job of White House communications director. Spicer had been filling that role temporarily and wanted the job for himself.

Spicer had a combative tenure as Trump's chief spokesman, often clashing with reporters at his daily news briefings.

Trump himself regularly denounces the mainstream media as the "Fake News Media."

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3:30 p.m.

Newly named White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci went right to work answering journalists' questions after getting the job.

Scaramucci entered the White House press briefing room with Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who now has the position of press secretary for President Donald Trump.

The New York financier repeatedly declared his love for and loyalty to Trump.

Scaramucci also pushed back against the notion that the White House remains adrift six months into Trump's term.

Scaramucci says Trump is doing a phenomenal job and that he'll work with the rest of the White House communications team to get that message "out there a little more aggressively."

He answered a range of questions and blew a kiss and waved to journalists before leaving the briefing room.

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2:45 p.m.

New York financier Anthony Scaramucci has been formally named White House communications director and Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been promoted to press secretary in the Trump White House's latest shake-up.

Trump says in a statement read by Sanders that he's "grateful" for departing press secretary Sean Spicer's "work on behalf of my administration and the American people."

He adds: "just look at his great television ratings!"

Scaramucci also is addressing reporters at the White House. He calls Spicer "a true American patriot" and says he hopes Spicer "goes on to make a tremendous amount of money."

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2 p.m.

Outgoing press Secretary Sean Spicer says that he chose to resign from his position to give incoming communications director Anthony Scaramucci a fresh start.

Spicer says during a brief phone conversation with The Associated Press following his announced departure that, "we're at the point where" the president "could benefit from a clean slate."

He says he felt it would be best for Scaramucci to be able to build his own operation "and chart a new way forward."

Spicer is also complimenting Scaramucci, a New York financier and frequent defender of the president who was a staple at Trump Tower during the president's transition.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer says it's been "an honor" and "privilege" to serve President Donald Trump and the country.

Spicer resigned Friday in protest over the hiring of a new White House communications director.

He says in a tweet that he will continue his service through August.

One person with knowledge of the situation said Spicer objected to the hiring of New York financier Anthony Scaramucci's lack of qualifications for the communications role. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the personnel matter publicly.